7 Things Minimalists Never Keep on the Kitchen Counter—and You Shouldn’t Either

Many surfaces in the home tend to become dumping grounds for items that don’t belong there. One of the most common examples is the kitchen counter. Given that the kitchen is such a high-traffic area, it’s easy to see why this space often gets cluttered. “I believe kitchen counters should be treated as a work surface, not a storage surface,” Heidi Ganser Lang, pro organizer and owner of Juniper Organizing, says. “Minimalists—and really anyone who wants a more functional space—should aim to keep them completely clear.”

If you aspire to have a clutter-free kitchen, take note of these seven things minimalists would never keep on their kitchen counters.

Appliances That You Use Daily

Lang shared something surprising: It turns out true minimalists don’t keep daily-use appliances, such as coffee makers or toasters, on their kitchen countertops. “These items should have a designated home in a nearby, easy-to-reach cabinet or drawer,” she says. “Once you allow one or two items to permanently live on the counter, it’s a slippery slope to clutter creeping in, making it harder to maintain a tidy space.”

If you have a cabinet with a built-in plug, you can store these appliances behind closed doors for a clutter-free look. Better yet, if you’re currently renovating your kitchen, consider adding an appliance garage to keep them hidden while maintaining a clean and organized countertop.

Appliances You Don’t Use Often

You might love your stand mixer or panini press, but these things shouldn’t be left on the kitchen countertop either. “It’s best to store these items in a cabinet or pantry instead. This not only creates a more streamlined look but also makes cleaning easier and prevents visual overwhelm, which is a huge point of minimalism,” explains Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space.

Knife Blocks

You might think you need that knife block on your countertop, but Lang says there’s a better way to store your cutlery. “Magnetic strips keep knives within reach without a bulky block,” she says.

If you have small children, be sure to install the strip high up and well out of their reach for safety.

Utensil Holders

Minimalists of course use cooking utensils like spatulas and wooden spoons, but they don’t keep them out on the counter. Instead, Lang says they store them in drawers. “Alternatively, hooks or rails can store frequently used utensils,” she says. Just keep them out of sight!

Produce

While that fruit bowl might be pretty, it adds unnecessary clutter to your countertop. Plus, it often ends up holding more than just fruit—like bread, mail, and other random items, making it look far less aesthetically pleasing. Instead, Lang suggests hanging baskets as an alternative way to store produce without cluttering up the counter.

Excess Decor

You might find that wooden Gather sign inspiring, but the only thing it will truly inspire is additional clutter. “While a beautiful kitchen can be inspiring, too many decorative items can quickly make the space feel cluttered and impractical,” Duckworth says.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t decorate your kitchen at all. “Instead of filling counters with candles, vases, or decorative bowls, minimalists opt for a single statement piece or perhaps a plant,” Duckworth adds.

Miscellaneous Clutter

According to Duckworth, minimalists avoid letting everyday clutter pile up on the counter. “Junk mail, keys, water bottles, and random odds and ends can pile up quickly, making the kitchen feel chaotic,” she says. “Instead, I like to create designated spaces for these items, like a mail organizer in the entryway, a drawer for keys, or a cabinet for reusable water bottles.”